Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager
What We’re Watching: Key Trends and Emerging Issues
City of Winnipeg
At The Chamber, a key pillar of our advocacy is promoting a customer-centric, outcome-focused culture at City Hall. When city departments deliver timely and effective services, it encourages investment and allows businesses already here to continue to grow and thrive.
Here are some recent updates:
- Neighbourhood Action Teams: Launching in June, these teams will rotate through all 15 wards, spending four weeks in each area to address multiple issues simultaneously rather than sending out separate crews for each concern. The Chamber welcomes this innovative approach and looks forward to supporting future public service improvements.
- Click Here to Read the News Release.
- Click Here to Read the News Release.
- New Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): The City has nominated Joseph Dunford to be its next CAO. In meetings and consultations with the Mayor and City Hall officials, our Chamber has consistently advocated for a CAO who can serve as an agent of change and champion a customer-focused, yes-first culture across the entire administration. This role will be instrumental in fostering that shift, and The Chamber looks forward to working with Mr. Dunford to help advance economic prosperity in Winnipeg.
- Removal of on-street pay stations: Beginning July 2, the City of Winnipeg will remove on-street pay stations as the 3G network they operate on is being phased out nationwide, transitioning to PayByPhone as the primary payment method. Recognizing that this change may pose challenges for downtown businesses, we proactively met with the Winnipeg Parking Authority to discuss mitigation strategies. As this work continues, we remain committed to keeping members informed to support a smooth transition.
Province of Manitoba
First Ministers’ Meeting: In early June, Canada’s First Ministers met in Saskatoon to discuss the future of Canada’s national economy. At The Chamber, we have been closely watching the issue of interprovincial trade, one of the key topics at this First Ministers’ meeting. We were pleased to see ministers commit to advancing economy-wide mutual recognition and labour mobility. Other key topics included projects of national interest, Arctic sovereignty, and the need to establish a renewed security relationship with the United States.
- Join us to continue the conversation about renewing our security relationship with the United States at our upcoming event on July 29, 2025, featuring U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra.
- Please use this link to register: Canada – U.S. Leadership in a Shifting Global Order.
Bill 47: Manitoba continues to demonstrate leadership in reducing interprovincial trade barriers with the recent passage of Bill 47: The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act, just before the legislature adjourned for the summer. This legislation represents a significant step forward; however, it does not yet address labour mobility—an ongoing priority for businesses across the country.
Government of Canada
Bill C-5: In the face of global uncertainty, Canada must strengthen its economy by unlocking potential projects that has been stalled for generations by red tape. For this reason, The Chamber recognizes the importance of passing Bill C-5, An Act to Enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.
At The Chamber, we also believe we all share a profound responsibility to advance reconciliation. Fast-tracking major projects does require proper consultation, a legal obligation under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
We call on the federal government to move forward on Bill C-5 in full partnership with Indigenous rights holders to build a stronger and more inclusive Canadian economy.
2025 in Review and What's Next
Thank you to all our members for your active and engaging participation in updating our policies this year. Our policy work is member-driven and informed, and your voices are critical to the work we do every day.
Taking a sneak peek at this year’s membership survey results, the top three advocacy priorities were downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and community safety.
Taking a sneak peek at this year’s membership survey results, the top three advocacy priorities were downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and community safety. To tackle these challenges, we’ve worked with our members, experts, and policy groups to develop policy positions we’ll use as the foundation for our advocacy efforts moving forward.
Read our Policy Positions on these priorities.
Since these issues were also among the top priorities in last year’s survey, The Chamber will use the year ahead to leverage the policies we’ve spent the past year updating to seize windows of opportunity to advance meaningful change. These opportunities include our pre-budget submissions, government meetings, and beyond as issues emerge.
We will continue to respond to challenges that impact our members, such as U.S. tariffs, work stoppages and strike action, and changes in leadership. Throughout, The Chamber will remain your steadfast advocate.
This fall, we will introduce a Truth and Reconciliation Policy and a Workforce Development Policy, with work already underway. While continuing to implement our Economic Growth and Productivity Policy Position, Tariff Policy Position, and Environment and Sustainability Policy Position.
Get Involved!
If you have an issue impacting your business, we would love to help. Please contact Gwen Black, our Policy and Government Relations Manager, at [email protected].
This year, we participated in several campaigns, including:
- Improving the Community Enterprise Development (CED) Tax Credit. [Click here to read the full letter.]
- Removing the PST/GST on Second-Hand Goods. [Click here to learn more.]
And more—reach out to partner with us on issues impacting you.
